Andrew O'Barton

After 32 years of life in New England, I've finally read my first Stephen King novel—and I couldn’t be more pleased that it was The Green Mile. Although I’ve been tempted, I never watched the movie on TV because I wanted to experience the book first. King’s storytelling captivated me from the very start, and what truly stood out was the seamless, natural way he wrapped up the story. Endings can make or break a book for me, and this one was so satisfying that it felt almost inevitable. The characters are richly drawn, each bringing depth and intrigue to the novel’s unique storyline, which is full of heart and mystery. The Green Mile has made me eager to dive further into King’s works—I can confidently say this won’t be my last. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a masterfully crafted story that will stay with you long after the final page.

Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & The Six was an absolute delight. The interview format of the novel gave it a documentary-like feel, reminiscent of those classic MTV specials. As I read, I couldn't help but draw parallels to Fleetwood Mac's rise to fame. The character development was exceptional, especially considering the unique writing style Reid chose, which could have posed a challenge. This book quickly became one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m eager to dive into more of Reid's work. Highly recommended!

Despite not being particularly excited about June's Book of the Month selections, I ultimately chose Peter Swanson's A Talent for Murder. I found it to be an enjoyable, light read. Although it's the third installment in the series, you don't need to have read the previous two to appreciate this one. I especially loved the pacing and found it satisfying to watch the plot unfold as expected.

Greer’s “Annie Bot” is a captivating novel that drew me in from the very first page. Set against the backdrop of emerging AI technologies, the story explores a future that feels almost within reach. I was particularly intrigued by the relationship dynamics between Annie and Doug, as it is rare to see bots incorporated into the role of actual partners in literature. One of the novel's strengths lies in its ability to provoke thought about the ethics and fairness in relationships, especially when one partner is a bot. The story delves into the misuse and abuse that Doug subjects his bot to, raising important questions about what is acceptable in a relationship. This aspect of the novel is challenging to read, but it effectively prompts readers to reflect on the implications of integrating AI into intimate human relationships. Overall, “Annie Bot” is a thought-provoking and engaging read that opens up discussions about the future of AI and its potential impact on human connections.

"Mercury," my inaugural Book of the Month selection, proved to be a captivating journey through the intricate dynamics of the Joseph family and their connection with the enigmatic Marley. Set against the backdrop of the quaint town of Mercury, the narrative unfolds with a tapestry of family secrets that adds an irresistible layer of suspense to the story. One of the novel's standout features is the portrayal of the Joseph family's complex relationships and how they evolve when Marley becomes part of their lives. The intricate web of family dynamics is skillfully woven, drawing readers into a world where every character harbors secrets, and each revelation adds depth to the narrative. At the heart of "Mercury" is a compelling exploration of the theme of family – the ties that bind, the conflicts that arise, and the delicate balance between tradition and the unexpected. The Josephs' decision to open their family table to Marley becomes a focal point, leading to a cascade of issues that unravel with both tension and tenderness. The author skillfully navigates through the challenges faced by the Joseph family, creating a rich tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers. The small-town setting of Mercury serves as the perfect backdrop, enhancing the sense of intimacy and secrecy that permeates the storyline. In conclusion, "Mercury" is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of family, unveiling a trove of secrets in the process. With its well-drawn characters and a storyline that seamlessly weaves together suspense and emotion, this book is a compelling read for anyone who appreciates a masterfully crafted exploration of family dynamics.

Recently joining the bandwagon, I have to admit that my enthusiasm was met with a slight sense of disappointment. While the initial chapters of the book held my interest, I couldn't help but feel that the narrative could have been more concise, with what seemed like an excess of unnecessary dialogues between Violet and Xaden. The novel's appeal lies in the age range of its characters, a refreshing departure from typical fantasy series featuring protagonists in their 20s, in contrast to the likes of Harry Potter or Hunger Games. Nevertheless, I sensed a delicate balance between a young adult fantasy and a fully-fledged adult fantasy novel, with the author, Rebecca, navigating this fine line. Despite my reservations, I look forward to delving into Iron Flame soon, although I doubt it will surpass the allure of Fourth Wing.

Chris Cleave’s Little Bee (2008) had me hooked from page one. I thought Cleave did a great job bouncing between the perspectives of Little Bee and Sarah O’Rourke throughout the novel. Cleave successfully using these characters to attempt to show what life is like for an African Refuge living in England. Although I thought the end came abruptly, I would highly recommend this novel to any avid reader.

Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is by far the most boring book I’ve read this year, and when I think about it, quite possibly one of the most boring books I’ve read in my life. Set in early 19th Century, Smith’s novel follows Francie Nolan, her brother Neeley and the rest of her family growing up in the slums of Brooklyn. While not as depressing (or as good as The Jungle), I often found myself bored with the over descriptive writing of life in Brooklyn in the early 1900’s. While I do appreciate Smith for trying to capture all the minute details of life during that period, especially from the perspective of a family barely getting by, I found most of the description was boring. Frankly, nothing really happens in the book – and it was not until the VERY last chapter where things actually HAPPENS to the Nolan family – that is things worth writing about. I was so excited to read this book as it has been recommended to me on numerous occasions. Do yourself a favor and skip this one.

Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (2005) was everything I was not expecting, and the experience was both good and bad – or should I say wicked…Maguire’s novel follows Elphaba, from early childhood, gnawing at anything she can wrap her mouth on, to her coining herself, “The Wicked Witch of the West.” I enjoyed most of the novel, but there were two specific parts that I did not particularly care for (the first 30ish pages and one section in the middle). So, you’re probably wondering why 3 stars if I did in fact, enjoy most of the novel. Well, here’s why – as much credit as I give Maguire for utterly flipping Oz on its head, I thought the novel was too politically charged. I did admire his imagination creating an entirely new world, from a world most the world has grown to love, but in some respects, I just thought I could’ve gone without the notion of tyranny or the history of different colonies and towns that formed Oz. I also found the language to be over the top, IN MANY INSTANCES. One rule in writing, if you only follow one rule, make sure the language is readable by any audience. We get it Maguire, you have stellar vocabulary, but you don’t have to try and show off for 400+ pages. One last thought, without ruining anything – I absolutely hated the ending and I do not plan on continuing the series.

I want to start this review saying I’ve had multiple people recommend Verity to me the last few weeks. As an avid reader, I couldn’t help but notice Colleen Hoover, or as avid fans call her “CoHo” has 4 books on the most read books on Goodreads – so why not right? I assumed most of her books are loved by hopeless romantics, not usually my cup of tea – but I felt as though this book had a perfect balance of romantic scenes, erotic scenes, and just plain, great thriller/suspenseful moments. I was hooked from the first page, and finished Verity in less than 24 hours (not sure if that is because the text is big or because the novel was that good – or a mix of both). The cherry on top really came at the end. I finished this novel less than 5 minutes ago, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the ending, my brain is running a million miles a minute, just what I want from a novel. What really went on in that house in Vermont? It is extremely hard for me to write this review without giving anything away, but if you are in the market for a book that will make your jaw drop, I HIGHLY suggest Collen Hoover’s, or as I can now confidently say “CoHo’s” Verity.